If you believe the flowery phrases and glossy images of the industry, modern trail bikes must be able to do one thing above all: Ride like a mini enduro bike. In our last trail bike tests (including in BIKE 10/2018), we criticised the weight problems that such bikes with 120-130 millimetres of travel sometimes struggle with. Many of the current trail bikes no longer have anything to do with sporty touring bikes - as the bike category was called two years ago. The philosophy behind them: The uphill is a necessary evil, the fun downhill is all that counts. Canyon views this change with suspicion and, when presenting the latest Neuron CF generation deliberately refrained from categorising it as a hip trail bike. Because that's not what the evolution of the legendary Nerve is supposed to be. "The Neuron CF contradicts the trend of current trail bikes to focus more and more on highly experienced, speed-hungry riders in the 130 millimetre travel range," says Canyon Product Manager Michael Staab.
Canyon Neuron CF - the facts
- Full carbon frame weighing 2660 grams (frame size M)
- 130 mm suspension travel
- Five frame sizes: XS and S in 27.5 inches, M-XL in 29 inches
- seven models for 2700-5600 euros
- Complete weight without pedals: 12.1 kg to 13.2 kg
- two ladies' models (identical frame) for 2700 and 3100 euros respectively
- only one model (Neuron CF 9.0) with dual drive
- small climbing gear (30 mm blade for 1x12, 36/26 mm for 2x11)
- 29-inch suspension fork (Fox 34) on all models
- 30 mm wide rims or combination of 25 mm rear & 30 mm front
Instead, it should make sporty touring bikers happy, for whom an MTB tour consists of more than just adrenaline-fuelled single trail rides. The basis of the four-bar bike is the carbon frame (2660 grams), the design of which fits seamlessly into the design language of the Race-Fullys Lux and the All Mountains Spectral integrated. Unlike the two aluminium models of the Neuron (see test in BIKE 12/18), the shock sits horizontally under the top tube via a fibre-reinforced plastic linkage. From frame size M upwards, a large water bottle fits into the frame triangle. When it comes to storage technology and frame protection, Canyon sets the bar extremely high with the Neuron CF. Unscrewable plastic covers protect each of the rear triangle bearings. In order to better withstand the higher forces on the drive side and thus get by without servicing in the long term, there are two bearing shells on the drive side at the main pivot point and only one on the other. If you unscrew the right-hand cover, a front derailleur mount for double cranks is revealed. If you ride a single-speed drivetrain, you can fit a chain guide here. As with the Spectral, the cables run under a plastic cover under the down tube, which also serves as frame protection. The chainstay is protected by a smart, all-round plastic structure and a chainsuck plate. The external steering stop limiter familiar from the Canyon 29ers is used on the top tube. In terms of geometry, the Koblenz-based company is following the current trend of "longer and slacker", albeit much more moderately than the competition. Always with the premise that touring character and balance are the top priorities.
29-inch suspension forks in all sizes
It was important to Vicenz Thoma's team of engineers that the Neuron models ride as identically as possible across all frame sizes. One finding during development was that the relationship between the handlebar width and the trail of the bike is a decisive indicator for the riding feel and steering behaviour. Despite different wheel sizes (27.5 inches for XS/S and 29 inches for M-XL), the Neuron always comes with the Fox 34 as a 29-inch version with 51 millimetres offset. As the smaller frames are delivered with a narrower handlebar (740 instead of 760 mm), the trail must also be adjusted for the identical ride feel. This is done via the steering angle, which is 0.5 degrees slacker on the 27.5s at 67.0 degrees. Incidentally, the stem length remains at 60 millimetres across all frame sizes.
Interview with Michael Staab: "I take a critical view of the current trail bike trend."
BIKE: 130 mm travel, slacker and longer geometry and more downhill-orientated components. Why are you still reluctant to call the Neuron CF a trail bike?
Michael Staab: It's already a trail bike, but the trail bike category is becoming more and more downhill-orientated and we definitely see room for a different orientation of a trail bike. First and foremost, the Neuron CF is a mountain bike, it fulfils the classic definition of mountain biking. In other words, touring, uphill and downhill. Of course, it's also fun on the descents, so it makes sense that the bikes are a little longer and flatter. But we take a critical view of the trend towards 'longer, flatter, more downhill-orientated' bikes and think that this development misses the needs of many customers out there.
Our main criticism is the additional weight that this trend entails. How do you try to keep the weight down on the Neuron?
There is also weight that makes sense. For example, a dropper seat post that nobody wants to do without. Or the comfort and grip of slightly wider tyres. Finding the right balance is not that easy. I have tried to save weight on components where it makes sense. The cheaper models with aluminium wheels have wider rims at the front than at the rear. And then it was clear from the start that the new Neuron would have a carbon frame to save weight. There are also small details such as the tyres: a lighter carcass at the front and a more robust one at the rear for better puncture protection. But all under the premise that the bike remains suitable for touring.
So the new Neuron should climb just as well as it descends?
You can feel that the fun of such bikes is increasingly defined by their downhill qualities. But in reality, most people ride up the mountain first or cross the Alps on it. Of course, a bike that is a little more downhill-orientated helps with the descents on a Transalp. But you also have to ride uphill beforehand.
Is the general trail bike trend heading in the wrong direction?
Bikes in this suspension travel class are divided into two camps: sporty bikes with marathon genes and those that are so trimmed for downhill riding that you can no longer ride tours. I also take a critical view of the current development of geometries. The bikes are getting longer and longer, and the seat tubes are getting steeper and steeper to compensate. In many cases, you end up in a riding position that is often not so easy to ride on long tours - i.e. 50 kilometres and more - for less well-trained riders because they lack the upper body muscles and holding power to be able to ride such an extreme position comfortably over long distances. Nevertheless, I don't deny that these bikes are justified. But there is also something in between. And it is precisely for this group of customers that we have developed the Neuron.
So who is the typical Neuron customer?
A classic mountain biker who rides sporty tours and is looking for a balanced bike. Despite the e-mountainbike boom and the emergence of ever more aggressive geometries, they still exist. You only have to go to a local CTF (country tour ride, editor's note). The reality is that many people only have very rudimentary riding technique skills. That's why it was important to us that with the Neuron we have a bike that helps these riders to feel comfortable on it. It should be predictable. It should do what the rider expects. It shouldn't puzzle the rider. Roughly speaking, the rider should ride the bike, not the bike ride the rider, as is often the case with bikes with extreme geometries and poor riding technique.
You've been with us since the first Nerve. How much Nerve is still in the current Neuron?
Still surprisingly much. The basic orientation is still the same. The Nerve has been a touring bike since its launch. In reality, many bikers ride uphill in order to be able to ride downhill afterwards. Of course, this is more fun if the bike is a bit more robust and has more reserves downhill.
We have already been able to test Canyon's carbon full suspension bike for a day on the trails around Sintra. You can read our first ride report on the new Canyon Neuron CF in BIKE 1/2019 - on newsstands from 4 December 2018.
Canyon Neuron CF 2019 - the models
Five men's models and two women's versions of the Neuron CF will be available immediately on the Canyon website. The suspension comes exclusively from Fox, while the drivetrain is dominated by single-speed drivetrains from Sram and Shimano. Only the Neuron CF 9.0 is equipped with a 2x11 Shimano XT drivetrain. The smallest possible climbing gears should also suit less experienced bikers and conserve energy reserves on long Alpine climbs. Here is an overview of all Neuron CF models:
